Researchers at the University of Tokyo in Japan are working on goggles that trick you either into seeing a treat in your hand instead of what's really there, or seeing something much bigger than what's really there. The theory? Mind over matter.

"This is pretty funny," says Angela Ginn, registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "This might work for someone, but I'm not going to be prescribing it to my patients anytime soon."

Silly as it may sound,

certain 'tricks' actually can help you with your weight-loss goals, Ginn says. For example, research shows that using smaller plates cuts down on portion sizes, and setting down your fork between each bite can help you be more mindful about what you're eating.

"We eat with our eyes first," Ginn says. "It takes two minutes for your brain to recognize you are full, and mindless eating can be a contributing factor to weight gain over time."

However -- there's being mindful and focused, and there's being just plain silly. Here are three more of the funniest "weight-loss tricks" we've heard about:

Eat everything with chopsticks! The caveat here, says Ginn, is that eating some foods with chopsticks actually can help you focus on what you're eating, rather than just mindlessly shoving food into your mouth with a fork. But, it really depends on how good you are with chopsticks and what you're eating. Soup or a hamburger with chopsticks? "Ridiculous," says Ginn with a laugh.

Wrap yourself in plastic! The claim: Suiting up in a "vinyl sauna suit" will increase perspiration during your workout. Alas, any extra sweating you might do is more likely to make you stinky than svelte. "You can lose water weight very easily," says Ginn, "but it's very easy to regain! You're not going to burn extra fat wearing a plastic suit."

Wear caffeine tights. The claim: Wearing your coffee instead of drinking it will help you slim down. Palmers "Slim Fit 20" tights contain caffeine micro capsules which supposedly get released into your skin through body heat. The manufacturer says, "The secret is quite strong and enduring so you may want to 'air' these tights for a day before wearing." Yuck! And also? Silly. "Though ingesting caffeine has been shown to boost metabolism," Ginn says, "wearing caffeine-infused tights is not going to rev up your energy-burning abilities."

When it comes down to it, says Ginn, weight loss is a billion-dollar industry, and companies are going to continue to manufacture silly products that promise quick fixes. But if you really want to get into shape? Ginn says, "Make healthy choices every day!"